LONDON (Reuters) - A group of 79 global investors managing a combined $7.9 trillion have joined forces to encourage companies to provide more information about how they manage their global workforces to help identify best-performing businesses.

The group, which includes Schroders <SDR.L>, Amundi <AMUN.PA> and Legal & General <LGEN.L>, has requested information from 50 of the biggest British companies, plus 25 other large global businesses.

"As a large and long-term investor, information on a company’s culture and employee engagement is important to understand the sustainability of business practices and long-term prospects," said Jeannette Andrews, corporate governance manager at Legal & General Investment Management.

Among other investors to join the initiative, led by campaign group ShareAction, are HSBC Asset Management <HSBA.L>, AXA Investment Management <AXAF.PA>, Nordea <NDA.ST>, Natixis <CNAT.PA> and pension schemes including APG and AustralianSuper.